CROSSING DISCIPLINARY BOUNDARIES: OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH AND FUN FOR FACULTY

Crossing traditional disciplinary boundaries is both a good way to engage undergraduates in meaningful research experiences and provide faculty with opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across their campus, including those in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and technical disciplines. Moving beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries often requires us to broaden our definition of research, particularly as it applies to the range of problems that can be explored by undergraduates. This presentation will highlight research projects undertaken by students that cross disciplinary boundaries including collaborations with faculty colleagues in technology, social sciences, and the arts. Projects that will be described include the design and construction of a recirculating flume and wavetank as well as projects related to the environmental history of the Buffalo River. Strategies for initiating collaborations, identifying potential projects, and other challenges encountered in crossing traditional disciplinary boundaries will be highlighted.